By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Contradiction has come to the fore on the stand of the Home (Jail) Minister Roshan Warjri and the Chief Secretary WMS Pariat on the release of ex gratia for the next of kin of slain jail staff, Neil Warjri and SS Thabah.
The Chief Secretary had come on record by assuring on February 8 this year that the Government will pay Rs 7. 5 lakh each, as ex gratia amount to the family members of the jail staff, who were killed on February 2 at Williamnagar jail.
He had also assured family pension to the family of the deceased.
However, the Home Minister in her reply to a call attention motion moved by the HSPDP legislator Ardent Basaiwmoit in the Assembly last week said that the Government will release only Rs 1 lakh.
When cross checked with the Chief Secretary in the Assembly premises on Friday last, he admitted that the amount was infact Rs 7. 5 lakh and that will be paid, while indicating that Rs 1 lakh will be the first instalment.
However, a statement issued by the Government on Monday said that as per
existing scheme, ex-gratia assistance is extended by the State Government to the next of kin of those persons who are killed in extremist or militant action.
“The amount of ex-gratia assistance ranges from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 7.5 lakh depending upon the nature of the case and the organization to which the person who is killed in such militant action belongs”, the statement added.
According to the Government in order to ensure that ex-gratia assistance is granted expeditiously to the next of kin of the deceased, the minimum amount as admissible , Rs 1 lakh is sanctioned in the first instance.
“In case the next of kin are entitled to higher ex-gratia, the remaining amount would then be sanctioned after due process”, the statement added.
However, the announcement of the Chief Secretary in February was that a total of Rs 7. 5 lakh each will be released and there was no mention about releasing only Rs 1 lakh.